It is official, we are now in Spring; The clocks go forward in the early hours of tomorrow morning, and we can all hopefully start to enjoy those longer days and better weather and watch whilst flowers bloom and trees blossom. It is the season where Mother Nature loves to show off her splendour, and when it comes to selling your home, you need to be doing the same. Spring is the best time of year to sell your home, according to Rightmove. This is because of record prices, the continuing imbalance between demand and supply as well as the prospect of finding a buyer the first week your home is on the market. And whilst many sellers focus may be directly internally, it is a huge folly to neglect the outside space of your property in Cheadle.
It’s a blooming market
“Those who weren’t ready to take advantage of last year’s rush now have another chance to get on the market while these conditions last”, Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Director of Property Data comments. Anyone selling their home wants to ensure they are maximizing their sale in every way – who wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to add some value, and your garden is a hidden gem. According to Good Move house experts, “Transforming your garden can be the most fruitful way of adding value to your home, with a well-kept garden increasing salability and adding significant value.” Although many home owners understand the potential their garden holds can bring to the value of their property, there are many more that ignore this area when preparing their home for sale.
Lockdown goals
Lockdown saw many of us turning our time to our gardens: The garden became even more important during the two years of the pandemic. Bars were erected, decking built and outbuildings constructed creating havens for us to enjoy whilst the strange times we were living in passed us by. Potential buyers, too, wish to imagine themselves spending time in a garden that is ready to enjoy, not one that has a wild side and needs a lot of work to restore. Your garden is an extension of your home, and should the sun be shining, buyers love to imagine themselves al fresco dining or enjoying a nice glass or two of something sparkling! Don’t put barriers in their way by making them struggle to see what your garden has to offer – make it the dream they have been seeking not the jungle they wish to forget.
It needs to be green
There is something very attractive about a healthy lawn, one glistening in shades of green without a balding patch in sight. Yet we all know how much maintenance it takes to keep a lawn looking green and healthy. For many of us, those perfect contrasting green lines of grass are something we aspire to but never quite achieve. If your lawn looks like it has seen better days, it may be best to invest in some new turf or even an artificial lawn. Even if your outside space consists of little more than a yard, try some colourful planters, decking or hanging baskets full of bright colours. It may feel like an unnecessary expense but having your garden in the best possible condition could add value to your home and, what’s more, help it to sell more quickly.
Just like new
It isn’t just your lawn that needs to look healthy and just like new; the winter months having taken a toll on many a home’s exterior, especially with the storms we have had recently. Paint and stains have faded on gates and fences, garden fences blown down, gates hanging of their hinges, decking may have some slippery grime or peeling stain, weeds have been springing up and some plants may have a survived for another season. Yes, there is work to be done, but the benefits are certainly worth it. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer: how would you feel about seeing a garden in tip-top shape and full or colour, compared to one that looks tired and uncared for? A front garden gives an instant first impression and will create the mindset your viewers take with them through the front door and ultimately, any offer may reflect how viewers feel, so make sure that your buyers see the value your garden brings to your home.
Bring the lifestyle to life
Adding some finishing touches to your garden for a viewing showcases the lifestyle your home offers to a potential buyer. A viewing is the opportunity for your property to transform into a home for sale. You want that show home feel that is organised yet warm, welcoming, and intoxicating.
A table and chairs is just that, but add a tray with a couple glasses and a bottle and suddenly your buyers are seeing themselves sitting there on a warm spring evening. A wall seat may go unnoticed, but a throw, a cushion and a book transform it into a cosy space to while away an afternoon. No matter the size or style of your garden, there are little touches you can add to bring your space to life. You don’t need to go overboard, just a couple here and there is enough to get a buyer’s mind starting to imagine living there.
It deserves it
Give your garden the spring clean it deserves, and you are putting your home in the prime position for selling at a premium price in this busy spring season. For more advice on how to prepare your garden, call Joe, Patrick or Maurice at Maurice Kilbride, Cheadle’s answer to Alan Titchmarsh on 0161 428 3663, e-mail sales@mkiea.co.uk or why not pop into our busy office on Cheadle High Street for a chat and a coffee anytime.
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